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Genetic Variants in NOS2 and CCL2 Modulate Risk of Post-COVID-19 Hyperglycemia via Immune-Metabolic Interactions
Ganyalak Chaimaha1, Nipaporn Teerawattanapong2,3, Kaweeraphat Chaithaisong4
1Graduate Program in Immunology, Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand, mahidol.ac.th.
Biomed Research International
|July 30, 2026
Summary
Genetic variations in innate immunity may increase the risk of hyperglycemia after COVID-19. Specific gene variants in NOS2 and CCL2 were linked to higher odds of developing hyperglycemia post-infection.
Area of Science:
- Immunogenetics
- Metabolic Disorders
- Infectious Disease Epidemiology
Background:
- Hyperglycemia is a common post-COVID-19 complication, but the underlying host factors are not fully understood.
- Investigating genetic predispositions can elucidate mechanisms behind heterogeneous metabolic outcomes after coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the association between innate immune genetic polymorphisms and hyperglycemia in post-COVID-19 patients.
- To identify specific genetic variants contributing to metabolic dysregulation following COVID-19 infection.
Main Methods:
- A cohort study of 471 adults with prior mild-to-moderate COVID-19 was conducted.
- Participants were classified as normoglycemic or hyperglycemic based on HbA1c levels.
- Genotyping focused on innate immune-related genes, with statistical analysis using multivariable logistic regression.
Main Results:
- Hyperglycemic individuals were older, had higher BMI, more comorbidities, and elevated inflammatory markers.
- Significant associations with hyperglycemia were found for variants in NOS2 (rs4795067, rs35051118) and CCL2 (rs28730833).
- Specific NOS2 and CCL2 variants were linked to increased or decreased odds of developing hyperglycemia post-COVID-19.
Conclusions:
- Innate immune genetic variations may play a role in the development of hyperglycemia after COVID-19.
- Further independent validation is necessary to confirm the role of identified genetic polymorphisms in post-COVID-19 hyperglycemia.
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